The Catalogs - Part 2.

CLOTHING IN DISGUISE:

Did you know you can actually buy an outerwear jacket that converts to a pillow? And a down “sweater” that rolls up into a drawstring pouch.  And how about felted wool fedoras that really roll up?   There’s a rabbit-fur hat that comes in a canister!  And there are pickpocket proof pants with pockets that zip up and have button flaps that are stain-proof and wrinkle-proof, and theft-proof. These pants allow you to pack a bottle of water on your thigh and a camera and smartphone - each in their own pockets.  Now, if you pair it with the vest that has 14 – yes, 14 – pockets, including a handwarmer pocket, you can probably get away with no suitcase at all!  Of course, you will have to find a way to get through security in less than 24 hours as you empty all those pockets.

The Bag Lady!!

There are bags that protect against digital theft, money stashes that strap onto your calf, around your neck, under your belt, and in your bra. There are organizer bags, walkabout bags, totes, and convertible bags.  There are bags that are slash proof made with ballistic nylon and high-grade stainless-steel wire, cosmetic bags, leak-proof bags and compression bags.

THINGS

You can buy ornaments in every size and shape imaginable - period:trains, elves, reindeer, owls, monkeys, angels, Santa, round, pointy, oblong, oval, starry, snowflake, candles, mistletoe, Mickey Mouse, Elmo, pirates.  They shine, they blink, have glitter, or glow in the dark.  There are scented candles – amaryllis, poinsettia, vanilla, chocolate, linen, sea breeze, fig and orange. There are votive candles and hurricanes and pillars and tree-shaped candles and tea light candles.   Gone is wintergreen and pine – thank goodness.   There are dishtowels with peppermints, partridges, Christmas trees, reindeer, holly, and little elves.

I have given up opening the jewelry catalogs – nothing is ever as big or bright as it looks in the book when it finally arrives in the mail. 

Items come in red, garnet, fuchsia, metallic red, ombre red, tamarind, and contrasting green.  Blue is around, too, as a nod to winter and Chanukah.

One of my favorite catalogs actually sends a sample of their tea called Comfort and Joy.  Now, how cool is that?  To receive comfort and joy in the mail?  And when the comfort and joy run out, why there’s one catalog that showcases glasses for sale.  

On the page there are 12 Drinks of Christmas and the recipe for each!  I’m going to start with the Peppermint Colada. 

Drink up, my friends and then send for a tin of Comfort and Joy.